BUT, God sent His Son! Humble crib, donkey, stable, shepherd, star gazer... all to allow us to bring this glorious Message that is in radical contrast to the chaotic world in which we find ourselves at the moment. BUT, God sent His Son!

This is true for Mario too. He tells, dejectedly, of his contract of four months that now drags on to almost fifteen months. As an engineer, he works deep in the bows of the monster. Blue skies are a luxury view. His life on board now consists of a very musty, nightmarish captive existence without hope. BUT, God sent His Son, wrapped in cloth, for Mario too... This is the message we take to them and in that, Mario found hope.

This is also true for the Russian officer that told, emotionally, that he had never experienced anything like this pandemic before. The last time he felt solid ground under his feet was twelve months ago. There is no hope that this will change in the foreseeable future. His soul was being destroyed by waves of bad news that washed over him, endlessly, as if in a never-ending storm. BUT, God sent His Son in a humble crib, for the Russian officer too. That is the message we take to them. That message and a new Russian Bible in his hand, offered a moment’s rest and cover from the storm.

Then there is Jasper from the Philippines. It applies to him too. He explained that his life was in a fixed orb. He was in control, everything sorted out, clearly on his way... until COVID-19 plucked him cruelly from the security. His punch-drunk body language speaks of giving up hope. BUT, God sent His Son with angel voices singing ‘Peace on Earth’ for Jasper too. That is the message we take. We place a hand on a shoulder when a tear runs down a cheek; we pray and plead with them so that Jasper too could experience something of BUT, ... BUT, the Child...

The sobering truth is that a shocking estimated 400 000 men are still trapped on ships, after expiry of their contracts. Our work at the CSO is essential; it is non-negotiable. It seems simple, yes, visiting ship after ship, day after day, but with care and empathy, to take the message to a world that is in tatters. BUT, the Child...

It may sound simple, but without your financial support it is impossible to do this. Your donation could, within this crisis, convey the message of the crib, of the manger, to those that need it most. May you experience it in this Festive time too: BUT, the Child...